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These homemade dog treats are my answer to keeping our pup’s tail wagging while knowing exactly what goes into each crunchy bite. Whether you have a new puppy or an old pal, making dog treats at home turns snack time into an act of love and peace of mind.
What Makes It Special
- Uses basic ingredients you already have in your pantry
- No additives or questionable preservatives
- Flexible recipe to suit most dogs’ dietary needs
- Great for involving kids in the kitchen
When I first made these, my dog hovered near the counter all afternoon. Now every time I bake a batch, he parks himself by the oven until they come out.
What You’ll Need
- Pumpkin puree: This gives treats a soft texture and is packed with fiber. Look for plain pumpkin with no added sugar
- Eggs: These help everything bind and add a little protein for energy
- Peanut butter: Choose a natural jar with no sugar substitutes like xylitol which is dangerous for dogs. Check the ingredients for safety
- Whole wheat flour: Adds structure and makes the treats hearty. You could also use all purpose if needed
- Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon: Adds a touch of flavor that dogs love. Be sure the blend contains no nutmeg which is unsafe for pets
Let’s Cook This Together
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment to prevent sticking
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl stir together the pumpkin puree eggs and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and completely combined
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add in the flour and your chosen spice then gently stir just until a dough forms. Mixing excessively will make the treats dense
- Roll the Dough:
- Dust your counter with a little flour to keep things from sticking. Roll out the dough to about a quarter inch thickness using flour if things get sticky. This step is a little messy but essential for even baking
- Shape and Place:
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters or just slice into small pieces. Arrange them with space between each on your prepared baking sheet
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for twenty to forty minutes watching for the level of crunch your dog prefers. Less time means softer treats more time gives you a satisfying crunch
- Cool and Store:
- Remove from the oven and let the treats cool on a rack. Once cooled they can be kept in an airtight container for up to a month refrigerated or for up to six months frozen
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Good to Know
- Free from preservatives
- Pumpkin and peanut butter are easy on most dogs’ stomachs
- Freezes beautifully for long-term storage
One of my favorite things about this recipe is letting my pup lick the bowl clean after rolling out the dough. The whole kitchen fills with a nutty pumpkin smell and my dog’s eager face says it all.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your homemade treats in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They stay good for about a month. If you want to make a big batch freeze them in small portions and take out a handful at a time
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Easy Ingredient Swaps
If your dog has a wheat allergy you can use an all-purpose gluten-free blend. Plain mashed sweet potato stands in well for pumpkin if needed. Switch up spices with a dash of turmeric for anti-inflammatory bonus just be sure to skip nutmeg every time
How to Serve It Right
These treats are best fed as small training rewards or as part of a balanced snack. Make them tiny for puppies or break larger shapes in half for little dogs. Always observe your dog the first time you offer a new treat
Behind the Dish
I started baking dog treats years ago when I was dissatisfied with the ingredient lists on store-bought options. Sharing homemade snacks became a little ritual I cherish with my furry best friend
Kitchen Wisdom
- Use natural peanut butter always check for xylitol before buying
- Rolling dough can be sticky but dusting your hands and roller handles with flour helps a lot
- If you want crunchier treats lower the oven temp after baking and let them dry inside as the oven cools
Tout savoir sur cette recette
- → Can all-purpose flour replace whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if needed. Both work well in these snacks.
- → Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
As long as the peanut butter contains no xylitol, sugar substitutes, or added salt, it's safe for dogs in moderation.
- → Can I use other spices besides pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, you can use cinnamon as a substitute, but avoid nutmeg as it may be toxic to some dogs.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the fridge or freeze for up to 6 months.
- → How crunchy will the treats be?
Crunchiness depends on bake time—longer baking yields a crispier result, while shorter keeps them softer.